1957

Despite midweek scheduling, nearly 100 classmates plus 150 wives, kids, and guests returned to Hanover for our 30th reunion. Massachusetts led the way: its 12 percent of class population accounted for 21 percent of attendees. Nearness to Hanover is clearly only one determinant of participation in class events, as Californians made up the second-largest contingent and surpassed New Yorkers in both numbers and

percentage turnout. Most of those I asked felt the 30th was mellower, less frantic and even more fun than the 25th. One note: anti-dehydration officer Bob Marchant reported that alcohol consumption was way below expectations. Balancing that out, music consumption was dramatically up. All the original Chiefs were back except John Berge, who is living in Sweden. The Chiefs played for two memorable nights and at the picnic. Of the front line, Dave Cook and Al Shapiro have been playing Dixieland regularly since graduation, but Larry Elliott said his trombone hadn't been out of the case since 1971. Chuck Schroeder's wife, Beth, said she wished the kids could have seen their dad sporting a big grin, drumming for the first time in 30 years. No written-down music was used, but it all came back. Larry couldn't believe it. "We finished together. It's better than sex."

The class was housed in comfort in the new dorms across from the gym and the new Berry Sports Complex. All suites have air conditioning and private bathrooms. Common areas include kitchens and wellfurnished lounges. Incidentally, most of the older dorms have had similar facilities added in recent years.

Major reunion events started on Monday afternoon with cocktails in the courtyard adjoining the new dorms. Bob and JuneMacdonald's daughter, Robin '89, was one of the student group that served drinks and otherwise took good care of our class. Some marched in the parade from Tuck School to Thompson Arena before dinner, and afterwards an alumni glee club bolstered by Clark Griffiths, George Johnston, DickStacy and Jon White sang Dartmouth songs the old way. Paul Zeller would have been proud to hear them.

Following dinner, a new office for the hockey coach in Thompson Arena was dedicated in memory of Charlie Sprott. BillFlood organized a group of Charlie's hockey teammates and fraternity brothers to fund a good place for coaches to talk with prospective students and meet with team members. Charlie's widow, Carol, their four children, and other family members were present for the ceremony.

On Tuesday, Joe Stevenson took first place in the '56-57-58 run, and Monk Bancroft's wife, Marsha, was fastest among the women. Ed Nelson won the golf tournament. Jack Hall presided over the class meeting, during which it was voted to establish a Class of 1957 scholarship. Such named scholarships must be supported by a fund of at least $50,000, and Dan Goggin volunteered to lead a giving program for that purpose.

After a picnic down by the river near the new boathouse, Erich Kunzel directed a band concert in front of the Hop. Bill Kramer, Randy Aires, Lan Cady, Bill Edgerton, Dave Cook, Al Shapiro and JackSpring were among the stars in that ensemble. History professor James Wright spoke at the class banquet in Berry Sports Center, generally counselling old grads to be tolerant of change. From his remarks you'd never have guessed his role as chairman of a not uncontroversial commission on undergraduate life. After dinner, more great singing was provided by the 'Aires and JayGreene.

On Wednesday, a service was conducted in Rollins Chapel in remembrance of our 50 deceased classmates. Later, Dick Duncan moderated a Great Issues panel. ChrisWren provided a sampling of insights and anecdotes from his forthcoming book based on experiences reporting from the Soviet Union and other spots. The reunion wound up in grand style with, would you believe it, steak, lobster, and chicken in the Bema, followed by a Tom Paxton/Kingston Trio concert in Hopkins Center.

This year, the class contributed over $371,000 to the Alumni Fund, beating the target. That excellent total reflects dedicated work by head agent Hanny Mason, JackHall, George Johnston, Joe Stevenson, and many others. During the reunion, Hanny and Ted Spetnagel were high bidders for genuine, heirloom TANZI license plates, their purchases adding over $1,000 to the Alumni Fund. There is heavy speculation as to where those plates will ultimately wind up.

On behalf of us all, a salute to Dan Searby for his inspirational class notes these past years. Looking forward, Bob Sproull is working up a class event in Boston for the Harvard game, October 17; and Clark Griffiths is organizing another gathering in Hanover for the Dartmouth Night/Yale game weekend, October 30-31. Try to be there.

Still standing after the reunion run in June are '58s, left to right, Ron Snow, Ginger and Dodd Wilson,Tryg and Vicki Myhren, Dave Bradley, Leon Goodrich, Tom Amliche, and Al Baker.

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